I wasn't sure where to start amoung my wave. I wanted to get out fast and I'm never sure how fast or slow everyone else will be. The first 200 yards were exilerating. I didn't get beat up too much but had to do some weaving and was hit in the legs a few times. Once I got out on my own, I tried to find a good rhythm. My first mistake came on the stretch out to the first buoy. I guess I wasn't sighting well and ended up about 50 yards left of where I wanted to be. I tried to angle back to the bouy and managed to sight better for the remaining of the race. From the first buoy to the second buoy, it seemed like forever. I just tried to stay calm and swim smooth and effortless. I did manage to sneak a peak at my HR during part of the race. It was at 159, hardly effortless.
I was happy to be exiting the water and checked the HR again which was above 170. More importantly, I finished at slightly over 17 minutes. I was shocked and happy to see that. Towards the end of the swim, I kept thinking, only 3.5 more hours, and I'll be done.

Sight better.

The swim took more out of me than I expected, so I walked to and into the transition for the most part. Getting the suit off and shoes on went well. I managed to even put sunblock on before heading out.

Get one of those tri suit so I don't have to put on a shirt.

I don't care what anyone says, this course if tough. I think it would be about 20% less difficult if the 1/2 mile climb wasn't there right at the start of the race. I managed to get my HR up to 184 at the start and it seemed like it took me a few miles to recover.
When I got to the main road, I saw a biker on the side of the road puking. I didn't feel as bad about my high HR after seeing that. I learned later that he had some bad sushi the night before. Either way, that hill is enough to make you puke.
The course is challenging. One loop is 17.5 miles. There was a headwind on the back side and my speed was pretty slow for that stretch.
There are a some nice hills and long managable inclines. The race started after 10:30 so by the time I had finished its after 1pm and the sun and heat are wearing on everyone I'm sure.
I was so relieved to be done with the bike, especially since I was thinking I may have to DNF during the first loop. Somehow I managed to settle in. My focus became to take it easy, conserve, and finish the race in under four hours.


Get more endurance rides in mixed with hills.

Relatively quick transition considering I walked for part of it. Still don't have cycling shoes so that helps not having to change into sneakers.

nothing

Quite a hilly course. I was so beat from the swim and bike that eventually I walked on every hill to try and keep my HR under 172. Running slowly on down hills and flat ground I still managed a HR of 166 or so.
There were three water stops on the course, technically five but one was in the beginning. There could have been 10 water stops and that wouldn't have been too many.
Maybe next year them can put a shower along the road.

Lose weight and train on more hills

walked around and stretch.


heat


Course was well organized from the start, transitions, volunteers, finish, and post-race. Starting time should be earlier though.

This was a significant race for me. Its was my longest and most difficult race to date. It wasn't much of a 'race' but more so of me simply covering the distance. I'm glad I did it and won't be too hard on my slowness. I managed to take 2nd in Clydesdale so this was an extra special race. I'm sure it helped that there were only four clyde partcipants, I'll take it though...